First Data Merchant Solutions is first merchant acquirer to join the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association

London, July 5, 2012 – First Data Merchant Solutions, First Data’s direct-to-market merchant acquiring business, today announced it has become the first merchant acquirer to join, as an associated member, the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA), the trade body for companies engaged in the leasing and rental of cars and commercial vehicles,

As an associated member First Data Merchant Solutions will be in a position to support the BVRLA’s other members in addressing payment related issues including PCI compliance, charge backs and card fraud. In addition, based on its in-depth industry knowledge, First Data Merchant Solutions will work with the BVRLA and the major card schemes to influence protocols that affect BVRLA members.

John Lewis, Chief Executive of the BVRLA, commented: “The BVRLA is focussed on supporting its members on a range of industry related issues and this includes accepting electronic card payments. First Data Merchant Solutions’ membership will add additional clout and insight to our work in this area. We look forward to their contribution and support”.

Phil Curtis, Managing Director, First Data Merchant Solutions, added: “Through our alliances and partnerships First Data Merchant Solutions offers some of the most flexible payment acceptance options in the UK, providing merchants with the ability to accept electronic payments safely and securely. We are delighted to be joining the BVRLA as its first merchant acquirer member and look forward to collaborating with its associates on issues relating to accepting card payments going forward.”

-ENDS-

About the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association
Established in 1967, the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association is the trade body for companies engaged in the leasing and rental of cars and commercial vehicles. Through its 500 member companies and their customers, the BVRLA represents the interests of more than two million business car drivers and the millions of people who use a rental vehicle each year.

The BVRLA lobbies at the heart of government in the UK and EU to ensure that regulation and legislation affecting its members is fair and doesn't stifle competition. The BVRLA also works with public sector agencies, industry associations and key business influencers on key road transport, taxation and finance-related issues.

About First Data
Around the world, every second of every day, First Data makes payment transactions secure, fast and easy for merchants, financial institutions and their customers. First Data leverages its vast product portfolio and expertise to drive customer revenue and profitability. Whether the choice of payment is by debit or credit card, gift card, cheque or mobile phone, online or at the checkout counter, First Data takes every opportunity to go beyond the transaction.

Merchant Solutions are provided by FDR Limited, trading as First Data Merchant Solutions, as agents for Bank of Scotland plc, as the registering member under the relevant Card Schemes.

Contact

Louisa Excell, First Data
Tel: +44 1268 296 578
lexcell@firstdatacorp.co.uk